RICHARD “DICK” BAUM
April 15th, 1937 — March 21st, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Richard (Dick) Baum on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023, three weeks before his 86th birthday. Dick was born to Helen and Adolf Baum on a small family farm near Keeler, SK where he went to school and helped with farm duties. He moved from farm life at 18 years of age and settled in Moose Jaw, SK. He started working out at Dave Pyle’s Gym, taking on body building and wrestling and later earning a black belt in jujitsu.
Before joining the police force, he worked as a bouncer at Temple Gardens where he met his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley (née: Breton) and they had three daughters. He continued to farm for many years at the same time having a 37-year long career with the Moose Jaw Police Service. He started as a constable, was promoted to detective, inspector, and finished his career as the Chief of Police. Dick shared many stories about his policing career with friends and family over the years and always looked for the humour in every situation. One of the highlights of his policing career was his SWAT training.
Farming and policing aside, Dick had many interests and hobbies over his lifetime. He had a passion for hockey and played in the Police Hockey League and later in the Old Timers League until his knees gave out and then resigned himself to watching the Warriors and NHL games, which he loved. He was an accomplished model airplane builder and could design and build a plane from a picture that could not only fly but put on quite an acrobatic show. He always loved attending the Moose Jaw Air Shows. Dick was never afraid to take on a project, including building a cottage at Buffalo Pound Lake where he enjoyed water-skiing, being outdoors and around nature. He was musically talented and taught himself how to play the guitar and sing and even wrote some of his own songs. When he gave up building model airplanes, he built a mandolin for his granddaughter and only months before his passing, a guitar for his son-in-law, a major feat for an 85-year old. Dick was creative and liked to draw cartoons to keep busy and was great at jerry-rigging gadgets to get jobs done. The onset of Parkinson’s was an annoyance that kept him from doing the things he loved other than visiting with family and friends.
Dick loved his family dearly and unconditionally, along with his special granddogs. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley; daughters: Brenda Ramen, Terry Gudmundson (Jim) and granddog Jasper, Shelly Nobert (Guy) and granddaughters Amanda Nobert (Paul), Paige Nobert, and granddog Ruby. Dick is also survived by his sister, Margaret Sikorski; brother, Don Baum (Pat); brothers-in-law: Jack Breton (Elaine), Dave Breton (Donna), and Floyd Breton; sister-in-law, Mavis Zyba; along with many nieces and nephews, and extended family.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Helen Baum; brother, Bill; sisters, Marion and Leona; nephew, Shaun Baum; as well as in-laws, Wendy McCrum and Lois Mitchell, and mother and father-in-law, Esther and Jim Breton.
Forever in our hearts.
A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. A private family interment will take place at the Moose Jaw Funeral Home Columbarium at a later date. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth - Intern Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com